I saw my oncologist yesterday for 4 month check up. He said I was healing well The red spots on my tongue (I was so concerned about) are because part of my tongue is still numb and I bite it when chewing without knowing it. Residual effects of surgery such as partial neck
numbness rawness at base of tongue and on left side of my neck may remain permanent. My smile is lopsided. I am on a two month watch.
Takes careful chewing to eat. I am lucky as these are all residuals I can live with.

WOW, I could have written your post myself! Same numbness and biting of tongue thing. I also chew carefully! My smile too is lopsided and I have a weird feeling in my right arm which they said may or may not go away. Minor issues. Thanking God they said I didn't need rad/chemo either. I am going for monthly check ups for the next year. Continuing to pray for the best.
Oh, one difference...I wasn't married to a great man for 42 years. I was married to a piece of poo for 2 years. LOL

We have a lot in common. I lived in Brandenburg KY for 3 years and loved Louisville.
I don't have numbness in my rt. arm but my right thumb is numb. After the surgery I developed blood clot and they had to be aggressive with my arm.
We have recently moved but I will drive the 3 hours to my Dr.as I have so much trust in him.